By Courtney Pogue
Archuleta County and the Town of Pagosa Springs hosted another successful Big Spring Clean event this past Friday and Saturday, May 5 and 6, providing free dumping and recycling to local residents.
Between the collection sites at the Pagosa transfer station, Arboles transfer station, County landfill, Pagosa Springs town shop, Aspen Springs neighborhood and Pagosa Lakes Property Owners Association (PLPOA), a whopping estimate of 150 tons of trash was collected from around 2,000 participating households. Massive amounts of recycling included e-waste, appliances, and metal. Items of note were the number of televisions totaling nearly 300, and appliances added up to about 250.
Costs related to e-waste collection fees, revenue lost in donated dump fees, and overtime wages are estimated to be around $20,000. This amount will be absorbed by the County, with contributions from the Town as well.
The roadside cleanup effort on Saturday brought local and visiting out of state volunteers plus the local Girl Scouts. Good food and good fun were had by all at the BBQ afterwards with a fan-favorite homemade ice cream contest, and live music from the Jackson Mountain Ramblers. Prizes and giveaways were handed out to volunteers that helped with the effort.
Archuleta County would like to thank all the County and Town employees who assisted in the coordination, promotion, and operations of this year’s cleanup event along with partnered local sponsors.
Courtney Pogue is Communications Specialist for Archuleta County.